Comparative Effects of Modified Otago and Frenkel's Exercises in Geriatric Population

Comparative Effects of Modified Otago and Frenkel's Exercises on Balance, Motor Function, Fear of Fall, and Quality of Life in Geriatric Population

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to compare the effects of modified Otago and Frenkel's exercises on balance, motor function, fear of fall and quality of life in the geriatric population. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• How modified Otago and Frenkel's exercises affect balance, motor function, fear of fall and quality of life in the geriatric population?
• Is there any difference between the effects of these two exercises? Researchers will compare the effects of modified Otago and Frenkel's exercises to see which kind of exercise has superior effects on the mentioned outcomes.

Participants will be randomly divided into two groups who will perform their respective exercises for 45 minutes 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Outcomes will be evaluated at the baseline, 4th week and 8th week.

Several recent studies highlight the efficacy of various exercise interventions, including modified Otago and Frenkel's exercises, in improving balance, quality of life, and fear of falling among the elderly population. Many studies have demonstrated that Otago exercises show significant improvements in balance, fear of falling, and quality of life. In 2022, a study determined the impact of home-based Otago exercises on balance, quality of life, and fear of falling in the elderly. A meta-analysis conducted in 2021 evaluated the impact of the Otago Exercise Program. on both actual and perceived balance in older adults. In 2018, effects of Otago exercises were studies in comparison to Tai Chi. Similarly, in 2022, a study investigated the impact of Frenkel exercises combined with Cawthorne-Cooksey on functional balance and the risk of falling in the elderly. Moreover, in a study conducted in 2018, researchers evaluated the effects of Frenkel's exercise on improving balance in elderly patients, comparing it with aerobic exercise (walking). , in 2017, a study was carried out to analyze the effect of Frenkel's Exercises Vs. Swiss ball exercises on balance in patients with type II diabetic neuropathy. However, comparative research directly contrasting the effects of Otago and Frenkel's exercises on balance, motor function, and quality of life remains limited. Moreover, limited studies have explored the effects of Frenkel's exercises specifically on balance enhancement, emphasizing the need for further research in this area. Additionally, recent literature lacks detailed protocols for Otago exercises or modified Otago exercises, hindering the development of evidence-based recommendations tailored to the unique needs of older adults. This research underscores the importance of addressing this gap to optimize exercise strategies for promoting health and well-being in older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Community-dwelling adults of both genders who have experienced a fall at least once in the previous year
• Minimum Berg Balance score of >40
• Able to independently walk and perform everyday activities without any walking aid

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to walk independently.
• Previous surgeries related to knee or hip joint replacement.
• Severe comorbidities such as stroke, unstable coronary artery disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.
• Patients with mental illness such as schizophrenia, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease
• Uncorrected visual, auditory, or vestibular impairments
• Having limb defects or any physical disability that prevents performing the exercises